NW Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons' preseason has seen notable developments.

Injuries have affected key position groups searching for breakout starters, and the team has made late signings of top-tier free agents such as safety Justin Simmons and outside linebacker Matthew Judon. Variations in player involvement across the first two preseason games have also been observed. For instance, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and defensive lineman Zach Harrison started the first game but did not play in the second.

As the third and final exhibition game approaches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Falcons' editorial staff—Tori McElhaney, Will McFadden, Terrin Waack, and Amna Subhan—discuss which camp battle has experienced the most significant changes this preseason.

McElhaney highlighted the safety position: "Going into training camp I just knew the sneakiest of camp battles was going to be between Richie Grant and DeMarcco Hellams for that second starting spot alongside Jessie Bates III. Oh, how times have changed." Hellams suffered an ankle injury that will keep him out for a "significant" period. Simmons’ signing has been pivotal: "Though he hasn't taken a single team rep in practice this week, one can assume the starting spot is his."

McFadden agreed with McElhaney but offered another perspective: "For the sake of providing a different answer, though, I'll flip to the offensive side and touch on the third receiver spot." Injuries have altered expectations for this role: "Things were trending in the right direction for [Ray-Ray] McCloud before he sustained a season-ending knee injury in Miami."

Waack focused on inside linebacker changes: "This week, JD Bertrand received significant reps with the first-team defense." Bertrand stepped up due to injuries to Kaden Elliss and Nate Landman: "He has clearly earned the coaches' trust enough to earn the backup role over Donavan Mutin or Milo Eifler."

Subhan addressed outside linebacker adjustments: "Before training camp began, initial expectations were that Lorenzo Carter and Arnold Ebiketie would line up on the edge." The addition of James Smith-Williams and Matthew Judon reshaped this group significantly: "It definitely feels like there's some stability there with two veteran bookends."